From the delay in sending swabs for COVID-19 testing to assessing the cruise ship at ‘low risk’, NSW Health made a number of serious mistakes in its handling of the Ruby Princess.
As what became one of the biggest causes of coronavirus infections in NSW, with 28 deaths and over 800 cases, a scathing 320-page report into the Ruby Princess cruise finds ‘inexcusable’ failures made by NSW Health
The 320-page report by high-profile barrister Bret Walker, from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess was handed to the Berejiklian government, with a number of criticisms of NSW Health.
In his report, Mr Walker said NSW Health should have ensured that cruise ships were aware of the change to the definition of a “suspected” case for COVID-19 made nine days before the Ruby Princess docked in Sydney on March 19. The report also found that all passengers onboard should have been tested for COVID-19.
“This would have resulted in the identification of such cases on the Ruby Princess. 101 persons fell within the suspect case definition by 18 March, and 120 by the time the ship docked,” the report says.
“NSW Health should also have ensured that such persons were isolated in cabins. These were serious mistakes by NSW Health.” The report also said the failure of the collection of swabs by an onboard health assessment team “was a serious failure by NSW Health.” “Those swabs should have been tested immediately.”
The 320-page report by high-profile barrister Bret Walker, from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess was handed to the Berejiklian government
“The delay in obtaining test results for the swabs taken from the Ruby Princess on the morning of 19 March is inexcusable,” the report reads.
In light of all the information the Expert Panel had, the decision to assess the risk as ‘low risk’ – meaning, in effect, ‘do nothing’ – is as inexplicable as it is unjustifiable,” the report reads. “It was a serious mistake.”
Although, despite concerns of a coronavirus outbreak on board, around 2700 passengers were allowed to disembark and continue their travels both domestically and internationally. The report found that the decision to allow these passengers to get off the ship did not comply with the Public Health Order.
The report linked more than 900 COVID-19 cases and 28 deaths to the Ruby Princess, it also found that 16 percent of the crew contracted the virus, while almost 40 per cent of Australian passengers were infected onboard.
“The mistakes made by NSW Health public health physicians were not made here because they failed to treat the threat of COVID-19 seriously,” Mr Walker said.
“They were not made because they were disorganised or did not have proper processes in place. Put simply, despite the best efforts of all, some serious mistakes were made.”
Princess Cruises Statement
After the report was released, Princess Cruises issued a statement welcoming the inquiry’s findings and expressed its “profound sorrow at the impact COVID-19 has had on Ruby Princess’s guests, crew and their families”.
It noted Mr Walker’s finding that none of the company’s staff deliberately misled health or port authorities as the Ruby Princess arrived in Sydney.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected, particularly those who lost loved ones,” the company’s president Jan Swartz said in a statement.
The Commission’s report confirms that none of our people — the Captain, the ship’s doctor, or members of our shore side port agency team — misled public authorities involved in Ruby Princess being permitted to disembark guests on March 19.
Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz said our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected, particularly those who lost loved ones, the company's
“This finding is of great importance to us because it goes to the integrity of our people. “In our more than 20 years in Australia, we have always sought to cooperate honestly and professionally with officials in accordance with the regulatory environment.” We acknowledge the Commission’s specific comments about Carnival and we will consider these comments to the fullest possible extent.
“Princess Cruises also welcomes the Commission’s attention to improving information sharing and coordination among government agencies in the future. “In our submission to the inquiry, we agreed that this area deserved consideration. “We look forward to collaborating with government agencies and industry peers to improve these systems.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated, “In the public interest and for full transparency I am releasing it (the report) immediately. “I have just received the report. I will read it over the weekend and respond early next week.”
